Now, it's time to discuss one of our most popular custom pieces, and why we're going into full production with it: The Brownout Protector.

What is the Brownout Protector?

The Brownout Protector has been on our website since 2005 as a custom solution, but this year we're going into FULL production.  Also, we've added a new option. The 'Third Generation' brownout protector that was recently unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Expo in Las Vegas can automatically plug the equipment back in once the line voltage is safe for your equipment.

How does it work?

It cuts power to 7 of the 10 outlets when the voltage dips too low for the equipment to operate properly. When current dips below 105 volts for more than a moment, it automatically disconnects and then automatically reconnects once the line voltage returns to 109-113 volts  and remains there for longer than 10 seconds. This is intended to protect your devices from repetitive brown outs. It levels current and filters line noise, so short dips and spikes will be smoothed out.

What is a brown out?

A brownout is when your electric company can not supply enough power to meet the needs of its customers. Power is both voltage & current combined. When the electric company output reaches maximum current, then the voltage will start to drop when further demand is requested but can not be achieved. This is not intentional but a side effect of being overloaded.

What are brownouts damaging?

Equipment needs a certain amount of power to run & when the voltage drops, the power they need to run properly is less. Remember from above power is voltage & current combined. Some equipment expects the voltage to be stable & can not compensate while other equipment can.

Motors will run hotter & can burn up.

Lights will be dimmer but will not be damaged.

Computers & TV will compensate for small brownouts but will burn out the power supply on larger brownouts at about 95 Volts.

Air conditioners & refrigerators will have the compressors overheat & burn up.

UPS systems will protect against brownouts, even high-end ones! The problem with UPS is they always use a lot more power & most are not designed for heavy loads. The energy savings from our Brownout protector will pay for itself when compared to a UPS system in less then 2 years. The final problem with using a UPS to protect against brownouts is that the battery only lasts 2-4 years & has to be replaced. The brownout protector does not need any maintenance so it will save you even more money. So if have a lot of blackouts buy a UPS, if you have have brownouts buy a Brownout protector instead.